Location: Citrus and Other Subtropical Products Research
Project Number: 6034-22000-046-002-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2018
End Date: Aug 31, 2023
Objective:
The objective of these studies are to determine the proper procedures for acidifying alkaline water sources used for plant production in containers and how acidification affects irrigation water quality, media quality, fertilizer release from controlled-release fertilizers, nutrient uptake into plants, nutrient leaching, and plant growth and development. In addition, there is lack of information regarding duration of acidification during a one year production cycle. In other words, where seasonal growth and dormancy cycles occur for crops, should acidification be done during the dormant period of plant growth?
Approach:
Studies will be established at nurseries and/or university facilities. Plant material will be chosen based on industry needs so that results can be directly and quickly applicable to the industry. Acidification of alkalinity in water supplies will also be based on estimated crop needs and acid sources available to the industry. We hope to establish experiments located in open production areas as well as greenhouses. Studies to determine the fate of applied fertilizers may also be conducted using fertilizers supplied by granular fertilizers such as Controlled Release Fertilizers and/or that supplied in irrigation programs.
